So I got my betta 3 days ago..I read its good to put things outside of the tank for stimulation..So, this morning I put my toddlers fischer price kangaroo figurine on the side of the tank for something to stare at..And wow, gills flaring and all..
So I took it away after a minute, cause I didnt want to stress him out..

haha, This is silly because Cleo does the same thing, but with his fish food container. I once sat the fish food container pretty close to his tank, I came back later to see him all flared up and I was like oh my god whats wrong with my fish, then I noticed the fish container that has a red betta on the package. haha

Achernar was moved to a brand new tank earlier and I place all my fish supplies outside of the tank so I don't lose it. That's not what he was flaring at though. His old unoccupied tank was being flared at for no reason at all. I was wondering what was wrong and moved my supplies and all but he didn't move from the spot he was in and he was turned completely facing his old tank and he was flaring. I was like "It's only your old unoccupied tank you silly boy" and laughed a little as he decided to move away.